Jack Greenwood, Procurement Lead (Non-IT) at A&O Shearman, discusses the necessary skills of a successful Procurement professional, key focuses within the industry and being shortlisted in 2020 for the ‘CIPS – Young Person of the Year Award’.
What do you think has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in Procurement?
“So I was influenced very early on in my career by old school style of Procurement. The fact that you could go to a supplier and ask for 10% off and that’s all that people in Procurement wanted.
Actually, the biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is that never gets a good result. Just going to a supplier and asking for a discount never works in any scenario. It goes against absolutely everything we need to be doing as a profession.
For me, I’ve learned that the best project is actually being able to make sure that you’re as lean as possible, there’s no waste in what you’re purchasing. Working with the supplier, going for a coffee and working through exactly what both parties need so you’re only paying for the best service.
Make sure you work with your supplier to really find an outcome that works for both of you, which is more sustainable in the long term.”
Will Cooke delves into the world of Procurement with Jack in this short video.
